- Published:
- Friday 27 February 2026 at 2:41 pm
Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad have arrested four foreign nationals and seized bank accounts worth over $3.3M as part of an investigation into a sophisticated money laundering operation in Mildura.
The investigation into the Malaysian organised crime syndicate commenced in October 2025 following key financial intelligence identified by AUSTRAC and a subsequent referral from the Labour Hire Authority.
Investigators worked collaboratively with the Authority, AUSTRAC and various financial institutions within the Fintel Alliance.
Detectives have identified those involved were using ATMs in the Mildura CBD to launder the proceeds of crime in and out of the Australian banking system.
Over the course of two days, search warrants were executed in Mildura at five residential addresses and one restaurant.
On Monday, a 30-year-old Malaysian national was arrested at an ATM on the corner of Deakin Avenue and Eighth Street in Mildura.
An estimated $50,000 in cash and various bank cards were seized from a bag in his possession.
The man was interviewed in relation to the Commonwealth offence of deal proceeds of crime.
He was then detained by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers from the Department of Home Affairs for being an unlawful non-citizen.
On Tuesday, 24 February, two Malaysian nationals, a 31-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, and a 29-year-old female from Taiwan were arrested and interviewed in relation to the Commonwealth offence of deal proceeds of crime and possess illicit tobacco.
All four are expected to be charged on summons.
A further two males present at one of the search warrant addresses in Mildura were also identified to be unlawful non-citizens and were detained by ABF officers from the Department of Home Affairs.
In total, investigators seized:
• An ANZ bank account containing $2.5M,
• A NAB bank account containing $895,000,
• Approximately $100,000 in cash
• Two sim boxes,
• Over 50 mobile phones,
• Four luxury watches valued at over $150,000,
• Over 100 various bank cards,
• Various documents linking to accounts used to launder money,
• Western Union transfer documentation,
• Over 155,800 illicit cigarettes, and
• Multiple sim cards and electrical devices.
Investigators will also allege two people not connected to the syndicate had unknowingly been listed as directors of a number of suspicious businesses, as well as two bank accounts which contained the $3.3M.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about these incidents or money laundering is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of labour hire workers, or unlawful conduct by labour hire companies is urged to contact the Labour Hire Authority on 1300 545 200 or via labourhireauthority.vic.gov.au
Anyone with information relating to potential immigration offences or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact Home Affairs and make a report online at Border Watch. Reports can be made anonymously.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Jennifer Locke, Criminal Proceeds Squad:
“Criminal syndicates use money laundering to legitimise their profits and exploit legitimate businesses, harming communities and economies.
“This criminal activity is not only bankrolling high-flying lifestyles, but it also funds serious and organised crime, enabling everything from drug trafficking and exploitation to fraud and high harm violence.
“These seizures send a strong message to those who seek to engage in criminal money laundering: this act is illegal and unacceptable and while you may think you can wash away the evidence, that is simply not the case.
“We will continue to work together with our partner agencies to hold to account those who launder dirty money through Australian financial systems to fund serious and organised crime.”
Quotes attributable to Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner, Steve Dargavel:
“Unlicensed labour hire operators can be involved in crime across state and international borders, so they’re not people you want to do business with.
“We’ve made it easy to avoid these dodgy operators – always check the labour hire licence on our register; don’t risk business disruption and significant fines.”
Media Unit
145928
Updated